Old Dominion Bar Association
"Virginia's Advocates for Equal Justice"
"Virginia's Advocates for Equal Justice"
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I am honored to serve as the Old Dominion Bar Association’s
30th President and look forward to working with our
membership to address the challenges that require the
attention of "Virginia's Advocates for Equal Justice”.
Under my leadership, and with your support, the Old
Dominion Bar Association will not rest comfortably on the
laurels of its rich legacy. Instead, we will build on that legacy
by participating meaningfully as a National Bar Association
Affiliate in partnership with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil
Rights Under Law in the effort to monitor and correct voting
irregularities in Virginia . We will build on that legacy by
addressing the restoration of felons’ rights and participating
meaningfully in the effort to reverse the disenfranchisement
of those who are not permitted to participate fully in society
after having paid their debt to society. We will work diligently
to ensure the judiciary in Virginia continues to reflect the
citizenry of Virginia .
The Old Dominion Bar Association will be undergoing
significant structural and administrative changes. As we
strive to improve, we must re-dedicate ourselves to our
The footprints we leave behind are important. It is my goal to
ensure that ours are made with purpose, direction and
meaning. Notwithstanding our legacy, the work continues. I
ask for your support in meeting the challenges I described
earlier as we forge ahead with renewed commitment to be
the best we can be as VIRGINIA ’S ADVOCATES FOR EQUAL
JUSTICE.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Williams, Esq.
********************************************************************
PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONALISM
FOR VIRGINIA LAWYERS
PREAMBLE
Virginia can take special pride in the important role its
lawyers have played in American history. From Thomas
Jefferson to Oliver Hill, Virginia lawyers have epitomized our
profession's highest ideals. Without losing sight of what
lawyers do for their clients and for the public, lawyers should
also focus on how they perform their duties. In their very first
professional act, all Virginia lawyers pledge to demean
themselves "professionally and courteously." Lawyers help
their clients, the institutions with which they deal and
themselves when they treat everyone with respect and
courtesy. These Principles of Professionalism serve as a
reminder of how Virginia lawyers have acted in the past, and
should act in the future.
PRINCIPLES
In my conduct toward everyone with whom I deal, I should:
• Remember that I am part of a self-governing profession,
and that my actions and demeanor reflect upon my
profession.
• Act at all times with professional integrity, so that others
will know that my word is my bond.
• Avoid all bigotry, discrimination, or prejudice.
• Treat everyone as I want to be treated with respect
and courtesy.
• Act as a mentor for less experienced lawyers, and as a
role model for future generations of lawyers.
• Contribute my skills, knowledge and influence in the
service of my community.
• Encourage those I supervise to act with the same
professionalism to which I aspire.
In my conduct toward my clients, I should:
• Act with diligence and dedication tempered with, but
never compromised by, my professional conduct toward
others.
• Act with respect and courtesy.
• Explain to clients that my courteous conduct toward
others does not reflect a lack of zeal in advancing their
interests, but rather is more likely to successfully advance
their interests.
In my conduct toward courts and other institutions with
which I deal, I should:
• Treat all judges and court personnel with respect and
courtesy.
• Be punctual in attending all court appearances and
other scheduled events.
• Avoid any conduct that offends the dignity or decorum of
any courts or other institutions, such as inappropriate
displays of emotion or unbecoming language directed at the
courts or any other participants.
• Explain to my clients that they should also act with
respect and courtesy when dealing with courts and other
institutions.
In my conduct toward opposing counsel, I should:
• Treat both opposing counsel and their staff with respect
and courtesy.
• Avoid ad hominem attacks, recognizing that in nearly
every situation opposing lawyers are simply serving their
clients as I am trying to serve my clients.
• Avoid reciprocating any unprofessional conduct by
opposing counsel, explaining to my clients that such behavior
harms rather than advances the clients' interests.
• Cooperate as much as possible on procedural and
logistical matters, so that the clients' and lawyers' efforts
can be directed toward the substance of disputes or
disagreements.
• Cooperate in scheduling any discovery, negotiations,
meetings, closings, hearings or other litigation or
transactional events, accommodating opposing counsels'
schedules whenever possible.
• Agree whenever possible to opposing counsels'
reasonable requests for extensions of time that are
consistent with my primary duties to advance my clients'
interests.
• Notify opposing counsel of any schedule changes as
soon as possible.
• Return telephone calls, e-mails and other
communications as promptly as I can, even if we disagree
about the subject matter of the communication, resolving to
disagree without being disagreeable.
• Be punctual in attending all scheduled events.
• Resist being affected by any ill feelings opposing clients
may have toward each other, remembering that any conflict
is between the clients and not between the lawyers.
For more news and events, please click here.
I am honored to serve as the Old Dominion Bar Association’s
30th President and look forward to working with our
membership to address the challenges that require the
attention of "Virginia's Advocates for Equal Justice”.
Under my leadership, and with your support, the Old
Dominion Bar Association will not rest comfortably on the
laurels of its rich legacy. Instead, we will build on that legacy
by participating meaningfully as a National Bar Association
Affiliate in partnership with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil
Rights Under Law in the effort to monitor and correct voting
irregularities in Virginia . We will build on that legacy by
addressing the restoration of felons’ rights and participating
meaningfully in the effort to reverse the disenfranchisement
of those who are not permitted to participate fully in society
after having paid their debt to society. We will work diligently
to ensure the judiciary in Virginia continues to reflect the
citizenry of Virginia .
The Old Dominion Bar Association will be undergoing
significant structural and administrative changes. As we
strive to improve, we must re-dedicate ourselves to our
The footprints we leave behind are important. It is my goal to
ensure that ours are made with purpose, direction and
meaning. Notwithstanding our legacy, the work continues. I
ask for your support in meeting the challenges I described
earlier as we forge ahead with renewed commitment to be
the best we can be as VIRGINIA ’S ADVOCATES FOR EQUAL
JUSTICE.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Williams, Esq.
********************************************************************
PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONALISM
FOR VIRGINIA LAWYERS
PREAMBLE
Virginia can take special pride in the important role its
lawyers have played in American history. From Thomas
Jefferson to Oliver Hill, Virginia lawyers have epitomized our
profession's highest ideals. Without losing sight of what
lawyers do for their clients and for the public, lawyers should
also focus on how they perform their duties. In their very first
professional act, all Virginia lawyers pledge to demean
themselves "professionally and courteously." Lawyers help
their clients, the institutions with which they deal and
themselves when they treat everyone with respect and
courtesy. These Principles of Professionalism serve as a
reminder of how Virginia lawyers have acted in the past, and
should act in the future.
PRINCIPLES
In my conduct toward everyone with whom I deal, I should:
• Remember that I am part of a self-governing profession,
and that my actions and demeanor reflect upon my
profession.
• Act at all times with professional integrity, so that others
will know that my word is my bond.
• Avoid all bigotry, discrimination, or prejudice.
• Treat everyone as I want to be treated with respect
and courtesy.
• Act as a mentor for less experienced lawyers, and as a
role model for future generations of lawyers.
• Contribute my skills, knowledge and influence in the
service of my community.
• Encourage those I supervise to act with the same
professionalism to which I aspire.
In my conduct toward my clients, I should:
• Act with diligence and dedication tempered with, but
never compromised by, my professional conduct toward
others.
• Act with respect and courtesy.
• Explain to clients that my courteous conduct toward
others does not reflect a lack of zeal in advancing their
interests, but rather is more likely to successfully advance
their interests.
In my conduct toward courts and other institutions with
which I deal, I should:
• Treat all judges and court personnel with respect and
courtesy.
• Be punctual in attending all court appearances and
other scheduled events.
• Avoid any conduct that offends the dignity or decorum of
any courts or other institutions, such as inappropriate
displays of emotion or unbecoming language directed at the
courts or any other participants.
• Explain to my clients that they should also act with
respect and courtesy when dealing with courts and other
institutions.
In my conduct toward opposing counsel, I should:
• Treat both opposing counsel and their staff with respect
and courtesy.
• Avoid ad hominem attacks, recognizing that in nearly
every situation opposing lawyers are simply serving their
clients as I am trying to serve my clients.
• Avoid reciprocating any unprofessional conduct by
opposing counsel, explaining to my clients that such behavior
harms rather than advances the clients' interests.
• Cooperate as much as possible on procedural and
logistical matters, so that the clients' and lawyers' efforts
can be directed toward the substance of disputes or
disagreements.
• Cooperate in scheduling any discovery, negotiations,
meetings, closings, hearings or other litigation or
transactional events, accommodating opposing counsels'
schedules whenever possible.
• Agree whenever possible to opposing counsels'
reasonable requests for extensions of time that are
consistent with my primary duties to advance my clients'
interests.
• Notify opposing counsel of any schedule changes as
soon as possible.
• Return telephone calls, e-mails and other
communications as promptly as I can, even if we disagree
about the subject matter of the communication, resolving to
disagree without being disagreeable.
• Be punctual in attending all scheduled events.
• Resist being affected by any ill feelings opposing clients
may have toward each other, remembering that any conflict
is between the clients and not between the lawyers.
For more news and events, please click here.
SAVE THE DATE! ************************** Old Dominion Bar Association Annual Meeting May 31 - June 3, 2012 Alexandria, Virginia *************************** ************************************* IN THE NEWS... JANUARY 2012 The Winter Meeting was held in Williamsburg, Virginia at William & Mary School of Law. JULY 2011 POWELL APPOINTED TO SUPREME COURT On July 29, 2011, the Virginia General Assembly elected Hon. Cleo E. Powell to the Virginia Supreme Court. Justice Powell is the first African-American female to serve on that Court and is the first African-American elected by the General Assembly. Others have been appointed by governors and confirmed by lawmakers. Justice Powell is the only member of the Supreme Court bench who has served at every level of Virginia’s judicial system. Justice Powell of Chesterfield County was elevated from the Virginia Court of Appeals along with Hon. Elizabeth A. McClanahan of Washington County. Justices Powell and McClannahan will serve twelve- year terms. The vacancies on the Virginia Court of Appeals will be filled by Glen A. Huff of Virginia Beach and Stephen R. McCullough, who will serve eight-year terms. JUNE 2011 ODBA at VSB Annual Meeting President Robert A. Williams and several other ODBA members attended the Virginia State Bar's Annual Meeting, which was held in Virginia Beach June 16-18, 2011. At the conference, President Williams attended the meeting of Virginia State Bar Council and played in the first VSB Diversity Conference Golf Tournament, of which ODBA was a sponsor. 71st Annual Meeting ODBA’s Annual Meeting was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Richmond June 2-5, 2011. Early arrivals participated in Thursday’s golf competition and attended an evening reception. President Robert A. Williams welcomed conference participants on Friday morning, which began a weekend packed with CLEs and social events. President-Elect Vinceretta Chiles, Esq. was the conference chair. In addition to CLEs, Friday’s activities included the Presidential Luncheon with guest speaker Hon. Dwight C. Jones, the City of Richmond’s mayor. Later in the evening conference participants and their guests were treated to a Fridays At Sunset jazz concert at Kanawha Plaza featuring international artist Michael Franks. Participants finished the evening in the hospitality suite playing poker, bid whist, and enjoying each other’s company. Saturday’s events began with a breakfast with businessman and one-time gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe. The morning included a panel discussion on seeking judgeships that was moderated by Supreme Court Justice Bernard Goodwyn. The Judicial Luncheon featured a tribute to the late Chief Justice Leroy Rountree Hassell, Sr. offered by Hon. Angela Roberts. Guest speaker Hon. Roger L. Gregory of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and participants were treated to musical selections performed by the Richmond Community High School jazz band. Saturday evening began with a reception in the hotel’s atrium and musical entertainment by Quint Essential Jazz Band, which also provided a musical backdrop for the evening’s banquet. Following Hon. Gerald Bruce Lee’s tribute to the late Chief Justice Hassell, the group observed a moment of silence in honor and remembrance of Justice Hassell. Banquet speaker Senator A. Donald McEachin shared his insights on Virginia’s judicial selection process. Following the banquet, participants adjourned to the hospitality room where lady lawyers and a female judge bested the competition on both the poker and bid whist tables. The Annual Meeting came to a close on Sunday. Following the Executive Committee meeting, conference participants enjoyed a Jazz brunch featuring Quint Essential Jazz Band and remarks from Virginia State Bar President Irving Blank. May 2011 FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE FEDERAL JUDGE IN VIRGINIA The United States Senate confirmed the nomination of Arenda Lauretta Wright Allen to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on May 11, 2011. Judge Wright began her legal career as a JAG officer in the United States Navy and later served in the United States Navy Reserve. She worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in Norfolk and later as a Supervisory Federal Assistant Public Defender in Norfolk until her appointment to the bench. A 1982 graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, she earned her law degree from North Carolina Central University in 1985. Judge Wright is the first African- American female appointed to the federal bench in Virginia. NORFOLK STATE HONORS “WT” Former ODBA President William T. Mason, Jr., Esq., a long-time Norfolk attorney and philanthropist, received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Norfolk State University for his contributions to the university and the community. “WT” has been a part of the Norfolk State University family for over 40 years, serving as a member of the NSU Board of Visitors and the NSU Foundation Board. He has generously supported the university financially through the establishment and growth of the W.T. and Vivian Carter Mason Endowed Scholarship Fund. Mr. Mason, a native of Norfolk, is a graduate of Howard University School of Law and served a two-year term as president of ODBA from 1969 to 1971. The honor was bestowed during commencement exercises at NSU on May 7, 2011. MARCH 2011 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF VIRGINIA Virginia Lawyers Weekly announced in March it Class of 2011 of “Influential Women of Virginia”. The awards program, now in its third year, recognizes the outstanding efforts of women around the state in all fields, including law, business, health care, education and the arts. The honors are given to individuals who make notable contributions to their professions, their communities and society at large. The Honorable Angela Roberts is a member of this year’s class. With her appointment to serve on the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in 1990, Judge Roberts became the Commonwealth’s first African-American female judge. She presently serves on that Court and has twice served as its Chief Judge. Before going on the bench, Judge Roberts served as a prosecutor and assistant bar counsel for the Virginia State Bar. She serves the larger community through her involvement in Fifth Street Baptist Church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Boy Scouts of America. Judge Roberts is a long-time member of ODBA. Col. Lula B. Holland, U.S. Army Reserves (ret.) is also a member of the Class of 2011. She was Chief Nurse of the Army’s 18th Field Hospital in Portsmouth and before then served as Portsmouth’s Assistant Director of Social Services. She is a former chairperson of the Portsmouth School Board and has served on the board of the Obici Healthcare Foundation, which addresses the needs of the medically indigent and uninsured. Affectionately known to some as “Mamma ODBA”, Col. Holland, a strong ODBA supporter, is the mother of former ODBA treasurer Helivi Holland, Esq. FEBRUARY 2011 CHIEF JUSTICE HASSELL DIES Leroy Rountree Hassell, Sr., Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, passed away from complications of lymphoma on February 9, 2011. He was the first African-American Chief Justice of that Court and served two four-year terms from February 1, 2003 to January 31, 2011. Justice Hassell was a 1973 graduate of Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1977, and his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1980. After law school, he joined the Richmond office of McGuireWoods where he made partner after seven years. Governor Gerald Baliles nominated Chief Justice Hassell to the Virginia Supreme Court in 1989, and his peers elected him Chief Justice in 2002. His body lay in state in the Rotunda of the Virginia State Capitol, and he was the first African-American to be accorded that honor. He was interred on February 12, 2011, at Greenwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery following a memorial service at Faith Landmark Ministries in Richmond. He is survived by his wife, Linda, two daughters, a son, and one grandchild. *********************************************** |
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